Category Archives: Blog

Ramli and Sutra Dance Theater—Krishna: Love Re-Invented
Thursday, November 6 at 8:00 pm
Friday, November 7 at 8:00 pm
Asia Society
725 Park Ave. (at 70th St.)

Krishna: Love Re-Invented is a new dance production by Malaysia’s renowned choreographer and dancer Ramli Ibrahim and the Sutra Dance Theater. The production brings the timeless story of the Hindu god Krishna to light, framing Krishna as the ultimate embodiment of love, and focusing on Radha and the Gopi’s passionate and all-consuming love for him. Ibrahim was trained in classical ballet and modern dance but became passionately devoted to the Indian classical dance form of Odissi. He brings an understanding of both traditional Indian and western dance forms. His eight member Sutra Dance Theater company, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is one of the leading creative performing arts institutions in Malaysia. Ibrahim describes this piece as a “dance that is a celebration and liberation of the body, mind, and soul.” Can’t make it to this program? Tune in to AsiaSociety.org/Live on November 6 at 8:00 pm New York time for a free live video webcast.

“This broad-minded and visionary Muslim choreographer has Hindu, Christian and Buddhist dancers in his ensemble…they are Malay, Chinese and Indian. At a time when the world is being torn apart by religious strife, Ramli has proved that art can bring people together as one…Ramli and his Sutra Dance Theater have transcended all barriers of religion, geography and language.”

— Indo American News

In the wake of last week-end’s deadly clashes in Tripoli, the Lebanese Army is continuing to make arrests and boost their deployment in Bab al-Tabbaneh and Tripoli’s old souks. Despite these efforts, many here in Lebanon are still worried that violence in Tripoli may reignite…

After three days of fierce battles between the Lebanese Army and al-Qaeda inspired Sunni rebels, Lebanese soldiers are back in control of Tripoli, and residents are finally returning home…

Tripoli is one of my favorite cities in Lebanon, and my heart goes out tonight to the thousands of Tripoli residents fleeing their homes as a result of the current violence–which is showing no signs of stopping any time soon…

Today in Lebanon, the Lebanese army battled militants in Tripoli and the northern district of Minyeh for the third consecutive day. In Tripoli, much of the fighting took place in Bab al-Tabbaneh and the Old City’s bazaar (which is currently a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status). Meanwhile, Nusra Front fired rockets today at Labweh in the Beqaa in retaliation for the army’s offensive in northern Lebanon.

When I was in Isfahan, I was drawn to the beautiful Persian frescoes decorating the exquisite reception portico of Ali Qapu–a 16th century palace built for Shah Abbas I. Unfortunately, many of the other paintings in the residence were destroyed during the Qajar period and after the 1979 revolution. The veranda is one of the best places to admire the magnificent Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Square below…

A two-hour ceasefire has been declared in Tripoli to evacuate civilians, after deadly clashes between ISIS militants and the army rocked the city. After ISIS militants fired on military posts (in retaliation for the arrest Thursday of Ahmad Salim Mikati, an alleged ISIS commander), they fled into the alleyways of the old souks–where the clashes continued. My friend in Tripoli said the city is a “war zone”–he heard the sounds of rocket-propelled grenade explosions and machine-guns throughout the night. In Dinnieh, also in northern Lebanon, one soldier was killed and another wounded when militants ambushed an Army patrol unit earlier today. Meanwhile, the Nusra Front is warning of a civil war in Lebanon. In response to this latest violence, North Lebanon Mufti Sheikh Malek al-Shaar canceled a planned Muslim-Christian summit with the country’s main religious figures–which was supposed to meet today in Tripoli…

Widely considered to be the crown jewel of Kashmir, Dal Lake is a sprawling aquatic community where erupting political violence often distracts from the natural beauty. Gulzar, a young, working-class boatman, plans to skip town with his best friend Afzal in search of a better life, but a weeklong military curfew derails their departure. Forced to wait it out, Gulzar and Afzal discover they’re not alone: a young woman named Asifa is also trapped on the lake, but by choice. She’s researching the lake’s ecosystem and brings on Gulzar to be her guide. As they navigate the floating landscape, an unlikely relationship blossoms between the two. With the end of the conflict looming, Gulzar has to choose between a new life or a new love. Shot during the military curfew of 2010, Valley of Saints weaves together documentary and fiction, ancient myths and contemporary issues, and the beauty and danger of Kashmir to tell a story of finding one’s path home in a changing world.

Tonight in Beirut, I went to Metro Al Madina to see the popular “Hishik Bishik Show”–inspired by the cabaret scene of Egypt in the early 1900s. The cast of 10 artists, musicians, singers, actors and dancers included a bellydancer, a whirling dervish, and an accordion player. For tickets to this entertaining and spirited performance, please click here.